State Representative's Former Campaign Treasurer Accused Of Embezzling $4K

BLOOMFIELD— A woman who formerly served as campaign treasurer for state Rep. Douglas McGrory has been charged with embezzling more than $4,000 in campaign funds, according to a press release from the Chief State's Attorney's office.

Tanzania M. Cooper, 43, of Bloomfield, was arrested on Friday and charged with one count each of first- and sixth-degree larceny, the release states.

Cooper allegedly made 21 unauthorized withdrawals of campaign funds between July 2010 and July 2012, while working on the re-election campaign for McGrory, who represents Hartford. According to the release, Cooper told investigators that McGrory had no knowledge of the embezzlement.

The missing funds were found through an audit of the campaign's finances by the State Elections Enforcement Commission, the release states.

Cooper was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court in Hartford on Nov. 1.

If convicted, Cooper faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and three months in prison, according to the release.